The "Hirakawa Neputa Festival" was held on August 2nd in the center of Hirakawa, Aomori.

There are various Neputa and Nebuta festivals in the Tsugaru region, which began in 2006 when the former Hiraga-cho, the former Onoue-cho, and the former Igaseki-seki were merged. Featuring the largest fan Neputa in the world to decorate the operating birds, there are many types of floats, hayashi, flowing dances and screams, which vary depending on each participating group.

This year, after 29 large fans Neputa took part in the competition, the world's No.1 Fan Neputa, which was renewed for the first time in about 20 years, was unveiled. The height of the skeleton is updated by 1 meter to about 12 meters, the width is about 9.2 meters, and the weight is about 6 tons. The subject of this year's mirror paintings (pictures on the front) is "Saving Haruka, Taro Goro Taro, Tamenobu". It depicts the brave figure of Gorotaro Tanaka who saved Tamanobu Oura in the Battle of Roppagawa around the former Hiraga town.

When the Neputa appeared, visitors from the roadside said, "Large" and "Wonderful," and pointed their smartphones and cameras at them.

The festival runs until the 3rd. This year, the "Hirakawa Ano Matsuri" will be held on August 14th with the expectation of returning visitors to Obon. On the same day, in addition to the Neputa service by 5 groups, "World's No. 1 Neputa" will also be on stage and stage events will be held.